Thief River Falls – Jonette Palma Staie, 75, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
On June 30, 1948, Jonette was born to Carvel and Ruby (Garfve) Gillund in Thief River Falls. Jonette grew up in Newfolden, where she attended school. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith in Newfolden.
On November 14, 1964, Jonette was united in marriage to Wesley Staie, and to this union, they had three daughters — Paula, Pamela, and Priscilla. The family lived in the Newfolden area until the early 1980s when Jonette moved to Thief River Falls with her daughters. Jonette began working as a dietary aid in the local hospitals. She continued to work there for 43 years until her health forced her to retire.
Jonette met Gary Klemetson in 1998. They enjoyed life together for 25 years! She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was meticulous with housework and yard work and loved to keep things looking nice. Playing bingo at the VFW was a great pleasure for her. She enjoyed playing her accordion at home and during family activities. She also loved to dance. Gary and Jonette loved to travel to Edinburg, Texas, to see her daughter Paula. Gizmo and Sumo were her dogs who brightened her days.
Jonette was a kind, gentle, and loving mother, grandmother, friend, and companion.
Jonette is survived by her companion, Gary Klemetson, rural Thief River Falls; daughters, Paula (Gilbert) Fasci, Edinburg, TX, Pamela (Scott) Melby, Greenbush, and Priscilla Berg, Thief River Falls; eight grandchildren, Andres Carreon, Victoria Carreon, Alexis (Jake) LaFontaine, Amanda Iverson, Brianna Melby, Kailey Melby, Nicole Sandahl, and Riley Berg; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Gerald (Geraldine) Gillund, Middle River, and Janice Schwartz, Thief River Falls; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Carvel and Ruby Gillund; brother-in-law, David Schwartz; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Westaker Free Lutheran Church, Newfolden.
Visitation will be from 5–7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls.
Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Newfolden.
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